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HOW TO FULFILL THE MITZVAH OF SUKKOT ALL WHILE FIGHTING ANTI-SEMITISM BY ELIANA RUDEE | JNS.COM
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nviting two neighbors of different faiths into one’s socially distanced sukkah this year, says 2 for Seder founder Marnie Fienberg, can help address the isolation felt during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the rising tide of anti-Semitism. Fienberg, the daughter-in-law of Tree of Life victim Joyce Fienberg, started the 2 for Seder initiative as a part of the nonprofit Pittsburgh Interfaith Evolution (PIE), in the wake of the Pittsburgh Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Synagogue shooting to empower Jews to combat anti-Semitism in their own communities by inviting those of a different faith to share their Passover seder. This coming Sukkot, she is calling upon North American Jews to open their sukkahs in a “COVID-safe” way and share this Jewish experience with two neighbors of different faiths — ta way to “rethink the High Holidays for our current world.”
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L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2020
According to Fienberg, inviting guests continues the thousands-year-old Jewish mitzvah of ushpizin (welcoming guests into one’s home), and helping Jews find relevance and spirituality during the High Holidays. “Abraham and the prophet Zechariah set examples that hospitality with others makes the world a better place. Many believe that according to the biblical prophet Zechariah, during the messianic era Sukkot will become a universal festival. All nations will make annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast,” she says. The tradition that was “inspired by our ancestors” also provides a safe way to connect to others when many have been socially isolated, she says. “Sukkot is home-based and outside. If you stay socially distanced or virtual, this is exactly the safe protocol that we have been following for months to prevent transmission
of the virus,” she notes, following CDC recommendations. “If you already have a sukkah, are thinking of getting one or plan to get in the spirit of Sukkot on your porch, this is the time for beginning a new family tradition,” says Fienberg. “The sukkah doesn’t have to be perfect this year. Find a space to create a temporary structure so you can see the stars and feel the air, reminding us how fragile the structures we build in our lives are compared to the power of nature.” For those who are not yet ready to host guests, Fienberg has also designed guidelines for a virtual celebration. It can include a traditional “Four Species” ceremony — incorporating the etrog (citron), lulav (date palm frond), hadass (myrtle bough) and aravah (willow branch) — with a synagogue or other Jewish group, showing off sukkah spaces and playing games with grandparents
